U.S. patent application number 11/194966 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for endoscopic system equipped with gas supply apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Atsuhiko Kasahi, Yoshimine Kobayashi, Takehiro Nishiie, Kenji Noda, Mutsumi Ohshima, Daisuke Sano, Takefumi Uesugi.
Application Number | 20060030751 11/194966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35758319 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060030751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uesugi; Takefumi ; et
al. |
February 9, 2006 |
Endoscopic system equipped with gas supply apparatus
Abstract
An endoscopic system includes an endoscope having a delivery
member available to supply a body cavity of a specimen and, in
addition thereto, a gas supply apparatus from which predetermined
gas is supplied to a body cavity via a delivery member. The
endoscopic system further includes a determination unit that
determines whether or not there is a status in which, the gas
supply device needs to supply gas to the body cavity, and a control
unit that selectively and automatically control a permit and stop
for the gas supply to be implemented by the gas supply apparatus
depending on a determined result of the determination unit, which
are formed in a unitary structure with, for instance, the gas
supply unit.
Inventors: |
Uesugi; Takefumi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Sano; Daisuke; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kobayashi;
Yoshimine; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ohshima; Mutsumi;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Nishiie; Takehiro; (Tokyo, JP)
; Kasahi; Atsuhiko; (Yokohama, JP) ; Noda;
Kenji; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
|
Family ID: |
35758319 |
Appl. No.: |
11/194966 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/101 ;
600/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/015 20130101;
A61B 1/00068 20130101; A61B 1/3132 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/101 ;
600/160 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 4, 2004 |
JP |
2004-228441 |
Claims
1. An endoscopic system comprising: an endoscope having a delivery
member available to supply gas to a body cavity of a specimen; a
gas supply apparatus supplying predetermined gas to the body cavity
via the delivery member; a determination device determining whether
or not there is a status in which the gas supply apparatus needs to
supply the predetermined gas to the body cavity; and a control unit
selectively and automatically controlling a permit and a stop for
the gas to be supplied by the gas supply apparatus depending on a
determined result of the determination device.
2. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the
determination device includes: a detector detecting a signal
indicative of the presence of or absence of a need to supply gas to
the body cavity; and a discriminator discriminating whether nor not
the gas needs to be supplied to the body cavity depending on the
signal detected by the detector.
3. The endoscopic system according to claim 2, wherein: the
endoscope includes an illumination device that irradiate an
illumination light onto an observation site; and wherein the signal
detected by the detector includes a signal indicative of
information as to whether or not the illumination light for use in
the endoscope is irradiated.
4. The endoscopic system according to claim 3, wherein: the
endoscope includes an inserter section available to be inserted to
the body cavity of the specimen, and a gas supply and water supply
device through which gas and water are supplied to a distal end of
the inserter section via an interior of the inserter section; and
wherein the signal, detected by the detector, includes a signal
indicative of whether or not the illumination light is irradiated
from the illumination device, and a signal indicative of whether of
not the gas supply and water supply device executes gas supply and
water supply.
5. The endoscopic system according to claim 3, wherein: the
endoscope includes a camera for picking up the observation site,
and a camera control unit driving the camera and processing a
signal picked up by the camera; and wherein the signal, detected by
the detector, includes a signal indicative of whether or not the
illumination light is irradiated from the illumination device, and
a signal indicative of whether of not the camera control unit lies
in an operative state.
6. The endoscopic system according to claim 2, further comprising:
an abdominal insufflation device supplying predetermined gas to an
abdominal cavity of the specimen; and wherein the signal includes a
signal indicative of a status in which the abdominal insufflation
device supplies the gas to the abdominal cavity.
7. The endoscopic system according to claim 2, further comprising:
a light source device supplying at least an illumination light onto
the endoscope; and wherein the endoscope is detachably connected to
the light source device via a connector; and the signal, detected
by the detector, includes a signal indicative of whether or not the
connector of the endoscope is connected to the light source
device.
8. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the
determination device includes means for calculating a total volume
of gas supplied from the gas supply apparatus, and means for
determining whether or not the gas needs to be supplied to the body
cavity.
9. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the
determination device includes mans for calculating a duration of
the gas to be supplied from the gas supply apparatus, and means for
determining whether or not the gas needs to be supplied to the body
cavity.
10. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the
determination device includes mans for calculating a duration in
which no variation takes place in a pressure of the gas supplied to
the gas supply apparatus, and means for determining whether or not
the gas needs to be supplied to the body cavity depending on
whether or not the duration reaches a predetermined value.
11. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the body
cavity of the specimen is a luminal cavity; and wherein the gas
supply apparatus includes a common gas container storing therein
the gas, a gas supply apparatus available to regulate the gas,
stored in the gas container, to pressure values appropriate for the
abdominal cavity and the luminal cavity of the specimen,
respectively, upon which the gas is supplied thereto at different
pressure values.
12. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, wherein: the
endoscope includes an inserter section available to be inserted to
the body cavity of the specimen, an illumination device irradiating
an illumination light onto an observation site via the inserter
section, a gas supply and water supply device implementing gas
supply and water supply to a distal end of the inserter section via
an inside of the inserter section, a manipulator having a gas
supply and water supply button that is manually operable, and a gas
supply and water supply cylinder disposed in the manipulator and
carrying thereon the gas supply and water supply button; a flow
rate measuring unit measuring the flow rate of the gas supplied to
the body cavity of the specimen; a pressure measuring unit
measuring a pressure of the gas supplied to the body cavity of the
specimen; and a button discriminating section disposed in the
illumination device or the gas supply apparatus to discriminate a
status of the gas supply and water supply button or a kind of
operations of the button depending on measured results the flow
rate measuring unit and the pressure measuring unit; and wherein
the control unit includes means for switching the gas supply
apparatus between a gas supply state and a gas supply interruptive
state depending on a discriminated result of the button
discriminating section.
13. An endoscopic system comprising: an endoscope having a delivery
member available to supply gas to a body cavity of a specimen; a
container storing therein the gas; a gas supply apparatus supplying
the gas, contained in the container, to the body cavity under a
pressure appropriate thereto; a light source device relaying the
gas, delivered from the gas supply apparatus, to a delivery member
of the endoscope and having at least a lamp that supplies an image
picking-up illumination light to the endoscope; a determination
device determining whether or not there is a status in which the
gas supply apparatus needs to supply the gas to the body cavity;
and a control unit selectively and automatically controlling a
permit and a stop for the gas to be supplied by the gas supply
apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination
device.
14. The endoscopic system according to claim 13, wherein: the
endoscope includes a flexiblescope having a soft inserter section
available to be inserted to a luminal cavity serving as the body
cavity of the specimen; the gas supply apparatus includes an
endoscopic CO.sub.2 regulator; and the container includes a gas
container in which the gas is stored in a liquid form.
15. An endoscopic system comprising: a first endoscope through
which an observation is available for an abdominal cavity of a
specimen; a second endoscope through which an observation is
available for a luminal cavity of the specimen; a container storing
therein the gas; a gas supply apparatus respectively supplying the
gas, contained in the container, to the abdominal cavity and the
luminal cavity upon regulating the gas to pressure values different
from each other and appropriate for the abdominal cavity and the
luminal cavity, respectively; a light source device relaying the
gas, delivered from the gas supply apparatus, for the luminal
cavity to a delivery member of the endoscope and having at least a
lamp that supplies an image picking-up illumination light to the
endoscope; a delivery member supplying the gas, delivered from the
gas supply apparatus, for the abdominal cavity to the abdominal
cavity; a determination device determining whether or not there is
a status in which the gas supply apparatus needs to supply the gas;
and a control unit selectively and automatically controlling a
permit and a stop for the gas to be supplied by the gas supply
apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination
device.
16. A method of supplying gas, delivered from a gas supply
apparatus, to a body cavity of a specimen via a delivery member of
an endoscope, the gas supply method comprising: determining whether
or not there is a status in which the gas supply apparatus needs to
supply the gas to the body cavity; and selectively and
automatically controlling a permit and a stop for the gas to be
supplied by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined
result of the determination device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application relates to and incorporates by
reference to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-228441 filed on
Aug. 4, 2004, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an endoscopic system
equipped with, in addition to an endoscope and a light source
device, a gas supply apparatus for supplying gas to a body cavity
(such as abdominal cavity and luminal cavity) of an object to be
examined via a gas supply channel of the endoscope for achieving
observation.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Attempts have heretofore been undertaken to carry out
laparoscopic surgeries (hereinafter also referred to as surgical
operations) without opening an abdominal cavity with a view to
implementing treatment on a patient with minimally invasive
capability. During such surgical operations, a first trocar,
through which, for instance, an endoscope for observation is guided
to the abdominal cavity, and a second trocar, through which a
treatment tool is guided to a treatment site, are inserted to an
inside of the abdominal cavity of a patient. Additionally, with a
view to ensuring a visual field of the endoscope and ensuring an
expanded area through which the treatment tool is manipulated, an
abdominal insufflation gas is introduced to the abdominal cavity by
an abdominal insufflation device through the trocar, mentioned
above, or another trocar. Such an abdominal insufflation device is
known from, for instance, Japanese Patent Provisional Publication
No. 2000-139827.
[0006] Injecting an abdominal insufflation gas to the abdominal
cavity results in a status wherein the abdominal cavity is
distended. Therefore, it becomes possible to execute-necessary
treatment or the like by using the endoscope, inserted to the
abdominal cavity via the first trocar, and observing a treatment
site while confirming the treatment tool inserted through the
second trocar.
[0007] Also, as for abdominal insufflation gas, for instance, use
is made of a carbon dioxide gas (CO.sub.2, which is referred to as
a carbon dioxide gas), which is easy to be absorbed by a living
body.
[0008] In recent years, as new attempts, in addition to a
technology of using the endoscope inserted to the luminal cavity,
such as larger intestine, through the above-described first trocar,
therapeutic procedures have been conducted for treating a treatment
site upon inserting a flexiblescope into the luminal cavity. With
such therapeutic procedures, the treatment site can be specified
with the endoscope inserted in the abdominal cavity and another
endoscope inserted in the luminal cavity for curative
treatment.
[0009] In implementing such procedures, since there are needs for
carbon dioxide gas to be separately supplied to both the abdominal
cavity and the luminal cavity, the use of an abdominal insufflation
device of the related art merely in a single unit is insufficient.
This results in a need for preparing a system, i.e., a so-called
laparoscopic surgery operation system, which is based on the
abdominal insufflation device of the related art. The laparoscopic
surgery operation system includes an integrated system that is
comprised of a first light source device and a cameral control unit
to which a rigidscope, available to be inserted to an abdominal
cavity via a trocar, is connected; a second light source device and
a second cameral control unit to which a flexiblescope, having an
inserter section available to be inserted to a luminal cavity, is
connected; the related art abdominal insufflation device and a
first carbon dioxide gas container from which carbon dioxide gas is
supplied to the abdominal cavity via the trocar; an endoscopic
carbon dioxide gas regulator (Endoscopic CO.sub.2 Regulator:
hereinafter abbreviated as ECR) and a second carbon dioxide gas
container from which carbon dioxide gas is supplied, as observation
gas, to the luminal cavity via the inserter section and a
manipulator of the flexiblescope and a gas supply and water supply
conduit formed in a universal cord; and a controller electrically
connected to the respective component parts for executing operation
controls.
[0010] That is, the second light source device is continuously
supplied with, in place of air delivered from a gas supply and
water supply pump, carbon dioxide gas, which has been originally
used in the flexiblescope, from the ECR. This carbon dioxide gas is
supplied into the luminal cavity via the manipulator of the
flexiblescope and the gas supply and water supply conduit.
[0011] However, such a system allows carbon dioxide gas to be
supplied to the luminal cavity only when an operator executes a
closing operation of a bore portion formed in a gas supply and
water supply button of the flexiblescope. Stated another way, under
circumstances where the operator does not close the gas supply and
water supply button, carbon dioxide gas is continuously released
from the bore portion to the atmosphere during a period in which
the ECR supplies carbon dioxide gas to the delivery member. That
is, this results in continuous consumption of carbon dioxide gas
from the second carbon dioxide gas container even under a
non-observing condition wherein no observation for the luminal
cavity is implemented, causing a waste of gas.
[0012] Further, the laparoscopic surgery operation system,
mentioned above, takes the form of a structure in which in addition
to the light source device, the camera control unit and the
abdominal insufflation device that are used in normal operations,
the ECR are separately added. For this reason, there is a
possibility wherein the operator forgets to turn off a power switch
of the ECR after the operation has been completed. Such a case also
results in consumption of carbon dioxide gas in a continuous and
useless fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention has been completed with the above
issues in mind and has an object to provide an endoscopic system
that can suppress wasteful consumption of carbon dioxide gas
serving as observation gas.
[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an endoscopic system comprising an endoscope having a
delivery member available to supply gas to a body cavity of a
specimen, a gas supply apparatus supplying predetermined gas to the
body cavity via the delivery member, a determination device
determining whether or not there is a status in which the gas
supply apparatus needs to supply the predetermined gas to the body
cavity and a control unit selectively and automatically controlling
a permit and a stop for the gas to be supplied by the gas supply
apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination
device.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an endoscopic system comprising an endoscope having a
delivery member available to supply gas to a body cavity of a
specimen, a container storing therein the gas, a gas supply
apparatus supplying the gas, contained in the container, to the
body cavity under a pressure appropriate thereto, a light source
device relaying the gas, delivered from the gas supply apparatus,
to a delivery member of the endoscope and having at least a lamp
that supplies an image picking-up illumination light to the
endoscope, a determination device determining whether or not there
is a status in which the gas supply apparatus needs to supply the
gas to the body cavity, and a control unit selectively and
automatically controlling a permit and a stop for the gas to be
supplied by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined
result of the determination device.
[0016] According to still another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an endoscopic system comprising a first endoscope through
which an observation is available for an abdominal cavity of a
specimen, a second endoscope through which an observation is
available for a luminal cavity of the specimen, a container storing
therein the gas, a gas supply apparatus supplying the gas,
contained in the container, to the abdominal cavity and the luminal
cavity upon regulating the gas to pressure values different from
each other and appropriate for the abdominal cavity and the luminal
cavity, respectively, a light source device relaying the gas,
delivered from the gas supply apparatus, for the luminal cavity to
a delivery member of the endoscope and having at least a lamp that
supplies an imaging illumination light to the endoscope, a delivery
member supplying the gas, delivered from the gas supply apparatus,
for the abdominal cavity to the abdominal cavity, a determination
device determining whether or not there is a status in which the
gas supply apparatus needs to supply the gas, and a control unit
selectively and automatically controlling a permit and a stop for
the gas to be supplied by the gas supply apparatus depending on a
determined result of the determination device.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of supplying gas, delivered from a gas supply
apparatus, to a body cavity of a specimen via a delivery member of
an endoscope. With such a method, determination is made whether or
not there is a status in which the gas supply apparatus needs to
supply the gas to the body cavity and, depending on the determined
result, a permit and a stop for the gas to be supplied by the gas
supply apparatus are selectively and automatically controlled.
[0018] With such a structure, under a gas supply state wherein
observation gas is supplied to the delivery member of the
endoscope, the gas supply state can be switched to the gas supply
state of the gas supply interruptive state. Therefore, observation
gas, stored in the gas container, can be prevented from wastefully
consumed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the accompanying drawing:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an overall structural view of an endoscopic
system, equipped with a gas supply apparatus, of a first embodiment
according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating a structure of an
ECR and second light source device;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for illustrating exemplary control for
switching the ECR from a gas supply state to a gas supply standby
state;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating a leaked condition under
which carbon dioxide gas belches from a bore portion formed in a
gas supply and water supply button;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a view for illustrating a condition under which
the bore portion, formed in the gas supply and water supply button,
is blocked to allow carbon dioxide gas to be supplied to an
inserter section;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship
among an ECR, a second light source device and an abdominal
insufflation device of an endoscopic system of a second embodiment
according to the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of
confirming whether or not the abdominal insufflation device is
rendered operative to switch the ECR into a gas supply state and a
gas supply standby state;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control, in a
modified form of the second embodiment, for confirming whether or
not an illumination lamp remains in a turn-on state and the
abdominal insufflation device is rendered operative to switch the
ECR into the gas supply state and the gas supply standby state;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for illustrating the relationship
between an ECR and a second light source device of an endoscopic
system of a third embodiment according to the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for illustrating the relationship
between an ECR and a second light source device of an endoscopic
system of a fourth embodiment according to the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control for
switching the ECR in a modified form of the fourth embodiment
according to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a block diagram for illustrating the relationship
between an ECR and a second light source device of an endoscopic
system of a fifth embodiment according to the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control of
switching the ECR, remaining under the gas supply state, to a gas
supply stop state;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a block diagram for illustrating the relationship
between an ECR and a second light source device of a modified form
of the fifth embodiment according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary control for
switching the ECR, remaining under the gas supply state, to a gas
supply stop state in another modified form;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a view for illustrating an endoscopic system,
with a manipulator equipped with a joystick, of another modified
form of the fifth embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an endoscopic system,
including a gas supply apparatus with functions of an abdominal
insufflation device and an ECR, of a sixth embodiment according to
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a view for illustrating a structure of a gas
supply apparatus;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a view for illustrating a structure of a panel
section of the gas supply apparatus;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for illustrating exemplary control of
switching a luminal cavity flow path of the gas supply apparatus,
remaining under a gas supply state, to a gas supply stop state;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an endoscopic system,
including a smelling gas container, of a modified form of the sixth
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating an endoscopic system,
including a suction device, of another modified form of the sixth
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a view for illustrating the relationship between
a gas supply apparatus and a gas supply and water supply switch of
an endoscope, of an endoscopic system of a seventh embodiment
according to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a view for illustrating a threshold value used in
setting a gas supply flow rate;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a flowchart for illustrating control for the flow
rate of gas passing through a luminal cavity flow path provided in
the gas supply apparatus;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a view for illustrating a structural example of
an endoscopic system, in which buttons are provided with
resistances for a gas supply and water supply button and a carbon
dioxide gas button provided in a gas supply and water supply
cylinder, of an endoscopic system of an eighth embodiment according
to the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a view for illustrating the relationship between
the carbon dioxide gas button, disposed in the gas supply and water
supply cylinder, and the flow rate;
[0047] FIG. 28 is a view for illustrating the relationship between
the carbon dioxide gas button, shifted to a gas supply position,
and the flow rate;
[0048] FIG. 29 is a view for illustrating the relationship between
the carbon dioxide gas button, disposed in the gas supply and water
supply cylinder, and the flow rate; and
[0049] FIG. 30 is a view for illustrating the relationship between
a status, wherein an endoscopic connector is removed from a light
source device, and the flow rate
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] A variety of preferred embodiments according to the present
invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of a first embodiment according to the
present invention is described below.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, with the presently filed embodiment, the
endoscopic system of the present invention is implemented as a
laparoscopic surgery operation system (hereinafter referred to as a
surgery operation system) 1. The surgery operation system 1 is
mainly comprised of component parts, such as a first endoscopic
system 2, a second endoscopic system 3, a first gas supply
apparatus 4, a second gas supply apparatus 5, a system controller
6, a monitor 7 serving as a display device, a centralized display
panel 8, a centralized operation panel 9 and carts 10a, 10b.
[0053] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 designates an
operation bed on which a patient 20 lies down. Reference numeral 12
designates an electric cautery device. Connected to the electric
cautery device 12 is an electric cautery 13 that serves as an
operation tool. Reference numerals 14, 15, 16 designate trocars,
respectively, that are available to be inserted to a stomach
portion of the patient. A first trocar 14 serves as a trocar
through which an endoscope, described below, of the first endoscope
system 2 is guided to an abdominal cavity AC. A second trocar 15
serves as a trocar through which a treatment tool, such as the
electric cautery 13, for executing the excision or treatment of a
tissue, is guided to the abdominal cavity. A third trocar 16 serves
as a trocar through which an abdominal cavity insufflation gas is
supplied from an abdominal insufflation device (described bellow),
which forms the gas supply apparatus 4, is guide to the abdominal
cavity.
[0054] The first endoscope system 2 is comprised of main component
parts, such as a rigidscope 21 serving as a first endoscope with,
for instance, a hard inserter section, a first light source device
22, a first camera control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as a first
CCU (Camera Control Unit)) 23 and an endoscopic camera 24.
[0055] The inserter section (not shown) of the rigidscope 21 is
inserted to and placed in the first trocar 14. Provided in the
inserter section is an observation optical system, composed of
relay lenses (not shown) through which an optical image of a
subject is transmitted, and an illumination optical system,
composed of a light guide (not shown). Provided on a base portion
of the inserter section is an eyepiece 25 through which the optical
image, transmitted from the observation optical system, can be
observed. Detachably mounted to the eyepiece 25 is the endoscopic
camera 24. Detachably disposed on the eyepiece 25 is the endoscopic
camera 24. Disposed inside the endoscopic camera 24 is an image
pickup device (not shown).
[0056] The first light source device 22 supplies an illumination
light to the rigidscope 21. The first CCU 23 serves to perform a
drive control of an image pickup element of the endoscopic camera
24 and convert an electric signal, resulting from photoelectric
conversion of an image focused on the image pickup element, into an
image signal. The image signal, converted by the first CCU 23, is
outputted to, for instance, the monitor 7 or the centralized
display panel 8. Upon execution of such operations, a display
screen of the monitor 6 or centralized display panel 8 provides a
display of an endoscopic image of the subject resulting from the
rigidscope 21.
[0057] Also, the rigidscope 21 and the first light source device 22
are optically connected to each other via a light guide cable 26
that extends from a side face of the base portion of the rigidscope
21. The first CCU 23 and the endoscopic camera 24 are connected to
each other via an image pickup cable 27.
[0058] The second endoscope system 3 is mainly comprised of a
flexiblescope 31 serving as a second endoscope and having a soft
inserter section 34 adapted to be inserted to an inside of a
luminal cavity, such as a large intestine or the like, a second
light source device 32, serving as an illumination light supplier,
and a second camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as second
CCU) 33.
[0059] In the present embodiment and subsequent embodiments to be
described later, the body cavities of an object to be examined
(such as patient) include an abdominal cavity and a luminal cavity
such as a large intestine.
[0060] The flexiblescope 31 is comprised of the inserter section
34, set forth above, a manipulator 35 and a universal chord 36.
Provided on the manipulator 35 is a gas supply and water supply
switch 35a, a suction button 35b, a curving operation knob 37 that
allows a curving portion (not shown in the drawing figure) to be
curved in operation, and a treatment tool insertion port 38 formed
in communication with a treatment tool channel that is not shown.
An endoscope connector 36a is provided on the base portion of the
universal chord 36. Extending from the endoscope connector 36a is a
water supply tube 64 that is connected to a water supply tank
60.
[0061] Provided in the second light source device 32 are an
illumination lump 63 (see FIG. 2) serving as an illumination unit
for supplying an illumination light to the endoscope 31 and a gas
supply and water supply pump 59 (see FIG. 2) or the like serving as
a gas supply unit for supply gas or water. Detachably connected to
the second light source device 32 is an endoscope connector 36a
that are equipped with a gas supply fitting 36c (see FIG. 2) and a
light source connector 36d (see FIG. 2).
[0062] Connecting the endoscope connector 36a to the second light
source device 32 allows the light source connector 36d and the
illumination lamp 63 to lie in a face-to-face relationship and the
gas supply fitting to be brought into communication with a gas
supply conduit 65 (see FIG. 2).
[0063] Accordingly, the illumination light, irradiated from the
illumination lamp 63, is transmitted through a light guide fiber
(not shown) and irradiated from an illumination window provided on
a distal end, which is not shown, of the inserter section 34.
[0064] Further, stored in the water supply tank 60 is liquid such
as, for instance, water. Connected to the water supply tank 60 is
the water supply tube 64. Air, supplied from the gas supply and
water supply pump 59 of the second light source device 32, flows
through the gas supply conduit 65 into an upstream gas supply
conduit 31a from which air is fed out to the gas supply and water
supply button 35a disposed in the manipulator 35. Moreover, at the
same time, an interior of the water supply tank 60 is pressurized
via a conduit inside the water supply tube 64.
[0065] For this reason, upon operation of an operator to manipulate
the gas supply and water supply button 35a to allow an upstream
water supply conduit 31c and a downstream water supply conduit to
be brought into communication with each other, water, fed to the
water supply conduit of the endoscope via the water supply tube 64,
is injected from a water supply nozzle provided in a distal end,
not shown, of the inserter section 34.
[0066] The second CCU 33 serves to control a drive of the image
pickup element provided on the distal end, which is not shown, of
the inserter section 34 of the endoscope 31 and convert the
electric signal, resulting from photoelectric conversion of the
image focused on the image pickup element, into the image signal.
The image signal, converted by the second CCU 33, is outputted to,
for instance, the monitor 7 or the centralized display panel 8.
This allows the display screen of the monitor 7 or the centralized
display panel 8 to be provided with a display the endoscopic image
of the subject taken up by the endoscope 31. Also, reference
numeral 39 in FIG. 1 designates an electric cable through which the
electric connector 36b, disposed on the endoscope connector 36a,
and the second CCU 33 are electrically connected.
[0067] The first gas supply apparatus 41, which serves as a system
for supplying gas to the abdominal cavity, is mainly comprised of
an abdominal insufflation device 41, an abdominal cavity container
(hereinafter referred to as a first container) 42 and an abdominal
insufflation tube 43. Carbon dioxide gas, serving as abdominal
insufflation gas, is stored in the first container 42 in a liquid
state.
[0068] Disposed on a front panel of the abdominal insufflation
device 41 are, for instance, an abdominal insulation coupling 41a
and a power switch 41b. Connected to the abdominal insufflation
coupling 41a is one end of the abdominal insufflation tube 43,
whose other end is connected to the third trocar 16. The power
switch 41b is a switch that switches the abdominal insufflation
device 41 into an operative state or inoperative state. Operating
the power switch 41b to render the abdominal insufflation device 41
operative results in a condition wherein carbon dioxide gas is
supplied to the abdominal cavity (i.e., in a carbon dioxide supply
state).
[0069] The second gas supply apparatus 5, which is a system that
supplies predetermined gas, i.e., carbon dioxide gas, to a luminal
cavity, is mainly comprised of an endoscopic CO.sub.2 regulator
(Endoscopic CO.sub.2 Regulator: hereinafter abbreviated as ECR) 51,
a luminal cavity gas container (hereinafter abbreviated as a second
container) 52 in which predetermined observation gas, such as
carbon dioxide gas, is stored under a liquid state, and a gas
supply tube 53.
[0070] Connected to the ECR 51 are a gas supply coupling 51a and a
power switch 51b. Connected to the gas supply coupling 51a is one
end of the gas supply tube 53, whose other end is connected to the
coupling 32a (see FIG. 2) of the second light source device 32. The
power switch 51b is a switch that switches the ECR 51 into an
operative state or inoperative state. Operating the power switch
51b to render the ECR 51 operative results in a status to allow the
ECR 51 to enter a gas supply standby state or a gas supply
interruptive state. The tubes 43, 53 are formed of silicon or
Teflon (Registered Trademark).
[0071] High-pressure gas tubes 44, 54 extending from the first and
second containers 42, 52, respectively, are connected to
high-pressure fittings, not shown, which are mounted on the
abdominal insufflation device 41 and the ECR 51, respectively.
[0072] The system controller 6 serves to control operations of a
whole surgery operation system 1. Connected to the system
controller 5 via communication lines (not shown) in bidirectional
communicating capabilities are, in addition to the centralized
display panel 8 and the centralized operation panel 9, the electric
cautery device 12, the light source devices 22, 32, the CCUs 23, 33
and the abdominal insufflation device 41, all of which serve as
peripheral units of the endoscope.
[0073] The screen of the monitor 6 receives image signals,
outputted form the first CCU 23 or second CCU 33, for providing a
display of the endoscopic images of the subject pickup by the
rigidscope 21 or the flexiblescope 31.
[0074] The centralized display panel 8 is provided with a display
screen, such as a liquid crystal display or the like. Connected to
the centralized display panel 8 is the system controller 6.
Accordingly, the display screen can provide a display of the
endoscopic images of the subject as well as the operating statuses
on the endoscope peripheral units in a centralized display
fashion.
[0075] The centralized operation panel 9 is comprised of a display
section, such as a liquid crystal display or the like, and a touch
sensor section (not shown) integrally formed on a display surface
of the display section. The display section of the centralized
operation panel 9 has a display function, on which a setting
screen, provided with operation switches for various endoscope
peripheral units, is displayed, and an operating function by which
touching a predetermined area on a particular touch sensor section
enables an associated operation switch to be activated.
[0076] That is, the centralized operation panel 9 is connected to
the system controller 6 and configured to have a capability in that
upon suitable operations of the touch sensor section displayed on
the display section, various operations or the settings on various
operating states can be effectuated for the desired endoscope
peripheral units like a manner in which operation switches,
provided on the various endoscope peripheral units, respectively,
are directly operated. That is, various operations or settings for
the endoscopic peripheral units can be performed on the centralized
operation panel 9
[0077] Mounted on the cart 10a as the various endoscope peripheral
units, respectively, are the electric cautery 12, the light source
devices 22, 32, the CCUs 23, 33, the abdominal insufflation device
41, the system controller 6, the centralized display panel 8, the
centralized operation panel 9 and the first container 42, etc.
[0078] Now, a structure and relationship between the ECR 51 and the
second light source device 32 are described below.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2, the ECR 51 is comprised of a valve unit
56 and a luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 serving as a
control means. The valve unit 56 includes, for instance, a pressure
reduction unit 56a, an electromagnetic valve 56b, which serves as a
gas supply changeover unit, and a flow rate sensor 56c serving as a
flow rate measuring unit. Reference numeral 56d designates a
buzzer. The buzzer 56d is electrically connected to the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 serving as the control means.
[0080] Connected to the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
is an announcement signal detector 57a that serves as detection
means. The luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 has a
structure that is comprised of for example a computer,
incorporating therein a CPU, which serves as a computing unit, a
variety of memories and timers, which sequentially executes a
control process based on programs (see FIG. 3 described below),
preliminarily stored in predetermined memories, for a luminal
cavity gas supply control. Electrically connected to the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 is the power switch 1b.
[0081] Further, the announcement signal detector 57a is a detector
that operates in close cooperation with the luminal cavity gas
supply control unit 57, mentioned above, and detects a status
signal delivered from the second light source device 32 for the
luminal cavity gas supply control. That is, the announcement signal
detector 57a, electrically connected to a light source control unit
58, is provided in the second light source device 32, which serves
as an illumination status announcement output means, and receives a
signal from the control unit 58. Although the announcement signal
detector 57a can be realized as a part of a function of the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57, the control unit 57 may be
structured as a separate circuitry.
[0082] When rendering the ECR 51 operative, the electromagnetic
valve 56b is rendered inoperative in a closed state, that is, in a
gas supply interruptive state. Under circumstances where it is
detected by the flow rate sensor 56c that no carbon dioxide gas is
supplied from the ECR 51, the buzzer 56d is activated to provide
such an announcement.
[0083] In the meanwhile, provided in the second light source device
32, as shown in FIG. 2, are the light source control unit 58, the
gas supply and water supply pump 59, a first check valve 61, a
second check valve 62 and the illumination lamp 63. Connected to
the light source control unit 58 are the gas supply and water
supply pump 59 and the illumination lamp 63.
[0084] The gas supply and water supply pump 59 is a pump for
injecting gas, such as air or the like, or liquid such as water or
the like via the nozzle (not shown) provided in the distal end of
the inserter section of the endoscope 31.
[0085] The first check valve 61 forms a one-way flow passage
through which carbon dioxide gas, supplied from the ECR 51, is
introduced to the gas delivery member 65. The second check valve 62
forms a one-way flow passage through which air, supplied from the
gas supply and water supply pump 59, is introduced to the gas
delivery member 65. The illumination lamp 63 supplies an
illumination light of the endoscope 31. The illumination lamp 63 is
placed in a face-to-face relationship with an end face of the light
source connector 36d.
[0086] Included in the display panel of the second light source
device 32 are a light source switch 66, a lamp switch 67 and a pump
switch 68. The light source switch 66, the lamp switch 67 and the
pump switch 68 are electrically connected to the light source
control unit 58. Signals are outputted from these switches to the
light source control unit 58 whereby upon execution of controls of
the control unit 58, switching operations can be effectuated on
predetermined objects, respectively.
[0087] The light source switch 66 is a switch for switching the
second light source device 32 into an operative state or an
inoperative state. Operating the light source switch 66 allows LED
lamps or the like, which are not shown, of the display panel to
light up. The lamp switch 67 is a switch for switching the
illumination lamp 63 into a turn-on state or a turn-off state.
Operating the lamp switch 67 to light up status the illumination
lamp provides a status wherein the illumination light can be
transmitted through the endoscope 31 for enabling endoscopic
observation. The pump switch 68 is a switch for switching the gas
supply and water supply pump 59 in an operative or an inoperative
state. Operating the pump switch 68 to drive the gas supply and
water supply pump 59 enables air or water to be injected from the
above-described nozzle depending on operations of the gas supply
and water supply button 35a at hand.
[0088] With the second light source device 32 rendered operative,
the light source control unit 58 is arranged to output an
illumination signal, serving as an operation control signal, which
serves as an announcement signal announcing to the announcement
signal detector 57a that the illumination lamp 63 is lighted up,
and a gas supply and water supply signal as an operation control
signal that serves as an announcement signal announcing that the
gas supply and water supply pump 59 remains in the operative
state.
[0089] Under an operative state of the ECR 51, if confirmation is
made that only the illumination signal is inputted from the light
source control unit 58 to the announcement signal detector 57a, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 delivers a gas supply
signal to the valve unit 56. This allows the electromagnet valve
56b to be switched from the closed state to the open state and
carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the second container 52 to the
second light source device 32 via the ECR 51 (in a gas supply
state). As the ECR 51 commences to supply gas, the buzzer 56d
intermittently generates announcement sounds such as, for instance,
electronic sounds. This results in a capability for users to
respond to the sounding of the buzzer 56d for recognizing a
condition that carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the endoscope
31.
[0090] In contrast, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
cannot confirm that the illumination signal is continuously
inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a, or the input of
the gas supply and water supply signal can be confirmed, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 closes the
electromagnetic valve 56b, thereby interrupting the supply of gas
(in a gas supply interruptive state).
[0091] Now, description is made of a control of supplying carbon
dioxide gas to a luminal cavity with the ECR 51 provided in the
surgery operation system 1 with the structure set forth above.
[0092] The luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 of the ECR 51
of the presently filed embodiment executes the operations along a
sequence schematically shown in FIG. 3 followed by startup of the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57. That is, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 confirms whether or not the
illumination signal, outputted from the light source control unit
58 provided in the second light source device 32, is inputted to
the announcement signal detector 57a (step S1 in FIG. 3). In this
moment, if no confirmation is made that the illumination signal is
inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 renders ECR 51 to be maintained
in a gas supply standby state as an initial state. That is, the
electromagnetic valve 56b is maintained in the closed state.
[0093] In the meantime, if in step S1, confirmation is made that
the illumination signal is inputted, then, the operation proceeds
to step S2. In step S2, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit
57 confirms whether or not the gas supply and water supply signal
is inputted from the light source control unit 58 to the
announcement signal detector 57a. If it is confirmed by the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 that the gas supply and water
supply signal is inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a,
the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 maintains the gas
supply standby state as the initial state in a manner similar to
that set forth above.
[0094] On the contrary, if no confirmation is made in step S2 that
the gas supply and water supply signal is inputted, then, the
operation proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the luminal cavity gas
supply control unit 57 outputs a gas supply signal to the valve
unit 56. This allows the electromagnetic valve 56b to be switched
from the closed state to the open state, resulting in the gas
supply state to allow carbon dioxide gas to be supplied from the
second container 52 to the second light source device 32 via the
ECR 51. When this takes place, the buzzer 56d is activated to
intermittently generate the electronic sounds. This enables the
operator to recognize a status in which carbon dioxide gas is being
supplied to the endoscope 31 from the ECR 51.
[0095] Upon commanding such a gas supply state, carbon dioxide gas,
supplied from the ECR 51, is supplied to the gas supply fitting 36c
via a gas supply tube 53, the first check valve 61 and a delivery
member 65. Carbon dioxide gas, supplied to the gas supply fitting
36c, flows through the upstream gas supply conduit 31a into a gas
supply and water supply button cylinder (hereinafter abbreviated as
a gas supply and water supply cylinder) 35c that incorporates a gas
supply and water supply button 35a provided on the manipulator
35.
[0096] Here, the presence of a bore portion 35a, formed in the gas
supply and water supply button 35a, left in an open state results
in a gas leakage state wherein carbon dioxide gas belches out of
the bore portion 35d in a path as shown by arrows "a", "b", and "c"
in the drawing figure. In contrast, if the bore portion 35d, formed
in the gas supply and water supply button 35a, is blocked by an
operator's finger as shown in FIG. 5, carbon dioxide gas, supplied
through the upstream gas supply conduit 31a, is supplied to the
downstream gas supply conduit 31b via a bent pipe 35e in a path as
shown by arrows "a", "d", and "e" in the drawing figure without
leaking to the outside from the bore portion 35d. This results in a
"luminal-cavity carbon dioxide gas supply state" in which carbon
dioxide gas is supplied to the luminal cavity via the nozzle.
[0097] Also, in FIGS. 4 and 5, reference numeral 31c designates an
upstream water supply conduit; reference numeral 31d designates a
downstream water supply conduit; reference numeral 35f designates a
check valve; reference numerals 35g and 35h designate gaskets; and
reference numeral 35i designates a spring.
[0098] Further, under a condition shown in FIG. 5, as the gas
supply and water supply button 35a is pressed down by a
predetermined stroke against the force of the spring 35i, the check
valve 35f and the gaskets 31g, 35h are moved downward in position
to allow the upstream gas supply conduit 31c and the downstream
water supply conduit 31d to be brought into communication with each
other.
[0099] As set forth above, if the gas supply state as shown in step
S3 is present, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
confirms whether or not the gas supply and water supply signal is
inputted from the light source control unit 58 to the announcement
signal detector 57a (step S4 in FIG. 3). Upon a result of such
confirmation, if the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 does
not confirm that the gas supply and water supply signal is inputted
to the announcement signal detector 57a, the operation proceeds to
step S5. In step S5, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
confirms whether or not the illumination signal is continuously
inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a. As a result of
such confirmation, if the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
confirms that the illumination signal is inputted to the
announcement signal detector 57a, the operation proceeds to step S3
to maintain the operation in the gas supply state.
[0100] In the meantime, if in step S4, the luminal cavity gas
supply control unit 57 is able to confirm that the gas supply and
water supply signal is inputted to the announcement signal detector
57a, or if the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 cannot
confirm that the illumination signal is inputted to the
announcement signal detector 57a, the operation proceeds to step
S6.
[0101] In step S6, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
stops outputting the gas supply signal to the valve unit 56. In
response to such operation, the electromagnetic valve 56b is
switched from the open state to the closed state. This stops
supplying carbon dioxide gas from the second container 52 to the
second light source device 32 and subsequently interrupting the
buzzer 56d from generating the sounds.
[0102] Also, while the presently filed embodiment utilizes a mode
of generating the sounds for providing an announcement to the
operator to indicate the presence of a condition in that carbon
dioxide gas is being supplied from the ECR 51 to the endoscope 31,
an alternative may be configured such that, for instance, the
display panel is provided with a display of characters "On Supply
of Carbon Dioxide Gas to Luminal cavity" or a display in a flashing
state for thereby announcing the state in which carbon dioxide gas
is being supplied to the endoscope 31.
[0103] In such a way, the presently filed embodiment takes the form
of a structure in which under a condition where the second light
source device and the ECR are connected through the communication
cable and the illumination lamp, provided in the second light
source device, is light up, the light source device control unit of
the second light source device outputs the illumination signal and
the gas supply and water supply signal to the announcement signal
detector of the ECR.
[0104] Therefore, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit
confirms the presence of or absence of the illumination signal and
the presence of or absence of gas supply and water supply signal,
applied to the announcement signal detector, enabling a control to
switch the ECR between the gas supply state and the gas supply
interruptive state.
[0105] Although this allows the ECR to enter the gas supply state
under a condition where, after the ECR has been shifted to the
operative state, the second endoscope outputs the illumination
signal to the ECR, the ECR enters the gas supply interruptive state
during a condition where the output of the illumination signal is
interrupted or the gas supply and water supply signal is outputted.
Accordingly, if a medical service worker operates the light source
device switch or the lamp switch for turning off the light source
device lamp, the ECR enters the gas supply interruptive state in
conjunction with the turnoff operation of the light source device
lamp, thereby reliably preventing wasteful consumption of carbon
dioxide gas from the second container connected to the ECR during
off-periods of endoscopic observation.
Second Embodiment
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an endoscopic system, equipped
with the gas supply apparatus, of a second embodiment according to
the present invention is described.
[0107] With the present embodiment, in place of electrically
connecting the second light source device 32 and the ECR 51 through
the communication cable 55, the abdominal insufflation device 41
and the ECR 51 are electrically connected through the communication
cable 55. In addition, the presently filed embodiment takes the
form of a structure wherein during a condition in which the
abdominal insufflation device 41 is rendered operative, an
abdominal cavity control unit 41c, provided in the abdominal
insufflation device 41 and serving as a signal output means,
outputs an abdominal cavity signal as an operation control signal,
which serves as an announcement signal indicative of the abdominal
insufflation device 41 remaining under the operative state, to the
announcement signal detector 57a provided in the ECR 51. Other
structures are similar to those of the first embodiment and,
therefore, the same component parts bear like reference numerals to
omit redundant description.
[0108] With such a structure, when the ECR 51 is rendered
operative, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 confirms
whether or not the abdominal cavity signal, outputted from the
abdominal cavity control unit 41c provided in the abdominal
insufflation device 41, is inputted to the announcement signal
detector 57a. In this moment, if the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 does not confirm that the abdominal cavity signal
is inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a, the ECR 51 is
sustained in a gas supply standby state.
[0109] On the contrary, if the luminal cavity gas supply control
unit 57 confirms in step S11 that the abdominal cavity signal is
inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a, the operation
proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 outputs the gas supply signal to the valve unit 56.
This allows the electromagnetic valve 56b to be rendered operative
to shift from the closed state to the open state. This results in
the gas supply state under which carbon dioxide gas is supplied
from the second gas container 52 to the second light source device
32 via the ECR 51. When this takes place, the buzzer 56d is
activated to intermittently generate the electronic sounds.
[0110] With the gas supply state shown in step S12 appeared, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 confirms in step S13
whether or not the abdominal cavity signal is continuously inputted
to the announcement signal detector 57a. In this moment, if the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 confirms that the
abdominal cavity signal is inputted to the announcement signal
detector 57a, the operation proceeds to step S12 upon which a gas
supply state is sustained.
[0111] On the contrary, if the luminal cavity gas supply control
unit 57 cannot confirm in step S13 that the abdominal cavity signal
is inputted to the announcement signal detector 57a, the operation
proceeds to step S14. In this step S14, the luminal cavity gas
supply control unit 57 interrupts outputting of the gas supply
signal to the valve unit 56. In response to this, the
electromagnetic valve 56b is rendered inoperative, which shifts
from the open state to the closed state, thereby interrupting the
supply of carbon dioxide gas from the second gas container 52 to
the second light source device 32 via the ECR 51, upon which the
buzzer 56d is deactivated to stop generating the sounds.
[0112] Thus, with the abdominal insufflation device and ECR
electrically connected, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit
executes the operation to confirm the presence of or absence of the
abdominal cavity signal outputted from the abdominal insufflation
device to the announcement signal detector, enabling the execution
of control to switch the ECR between the gas supply state and the
gas supply interruptive state.
[0113] By so doing, after the surgical operation, executed upon
supplying carbon dioxide gas to the abdominal cavity, is
terminated, the power switch of the abdominal insufflation device
is turned off to shift into a drive interruptive state and, in
association with such an operation, the electromagnetic valve,
provided in the ECR, is rendered inoperative to shift into the
closed state. This results in a capability of reliably preventing
carbon dioxide gas from wastefully consuming from the second gas
container after the operation has been terminated.
[0114] Also, the system controller 6 of the presently filed
embodiment is connected to the centralized display panel 8, the
centralized operation panel 9, the electric cautery device 12, the
light source devices 22, 32, the CCUs 23, 33 and the abdominal
insufflation device 41, all of which serve as the endoscopic
peripheral units, respectively, through a communication line (not
shown) with bidirectional communication capabilities. Therefore,
connecting the ECR 51 to the system controller 6 through a
communication line (not shown) results in a structure that is
enabled to execute a control of the surgery operation system 1 as a
whole in a lump sum.
[0115] That is, the light source control unit 58 of the second
light source device 32 and the announcement signal detector 57a
provided in the ECR 51 can be electrically connected or the
abdominal cavity control unit 41c of the abdominal insufflation
device 41 and the announcement signal detector 57a provided in the
ECR 51 can be electrically connected without causing a need for the
second light source device 32 and the ECR 51 to be connected
through the communication cable and the abdominal insufflation
device 41 and the ECR 51 to be connected through the communication
cable.
[0116] With such a structure, the illumination signal and the gas
supply and water supply signal, outputted from the second light
source device 32, and the abdominal cavity signal, outputted from
the abdominal insufflation device 41 can be transmitted to the
announcement signal detector 57a of the ECR 51 via the control unit
(not shown) provided in the system controller 6. Therefore, no
communication cable 55 is needed and work for connecting the
communication cables can be dispensed with.
[0117] A modified form is shown in FIG. 8.
[0118] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for illustrating a basic sequence of
operations in an exemplary control of executing confirmation
whether or not the illumination lamp lies in the light up status
and whether or not the CCU remains in the operative state upon
which the ECR is switched to a gas supply state or gas supply
standby state.
[0119] With the structure incorporating the system controller 6 to
control the surgery operation system 1 as a whole in a lump sum,
the ECR 51 may be configured in structure to control the gas supply
state or the gas supply interruptive state via the system
controller 6 upon confirming, as shown in FIG. 8, whether or not
the second light source device 32 and the second CCU 33 remain in
the respective operative states.
[0120] With the ECR 51 rendered operative, in step S21 shown in
FIG. 8, initially, the system controller 6 confirms whether or not
the illumination lamp 63, disposed in the light source device 32,
remains in the light up status. In this moment, if the system
controller 6 confirms that the illumination lamp 63 remains in the
turnoff status, the gas supply standby state is sustained.
[0121] In contrast, in step S21, if the light up status of the
illumination lamp 63 is confirmed, the operation proceeds to step
S22. In step S22, the system controller 6 confirms whether or not
the second CCU 33 lies in the operative state. In this moment, if
the system controller 6 confirms that the second CCU 33 lies under
an inoperative state, the operation proceeds to step S21 upon which
the gas supply standby state is sustained.
[0122] In the meanwhile, in step S22, if the system controller 6
confirms that the second CCU 33 lies in the operative state, the
operation proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the system controller
6 outputs a gas supply signal to the valve unit 56 via the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57. By so doing, the electromagnetic
valve 56b is rendered operative to shift from the closed state to
the open state resulting in the gas supply state under which carbon
dioxide gas is supplied from the second container 52 to the second
light source device 32 via the ECR 51 while the electronic sounds
are generated.
[0123] With the ECR 51 entered in the gas supply state shown in
step S23, as shown in step S24, the system controller 6 confirms
whether or not the light up status of the second illumination
source 32 is sustained. In this moment, if the system controller 6
confirms that the light up status is sustained, the operation
proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the system controller 6 confirms
whether or not the operative status of the second CCU 33 is
continuously sustained. In this moment, if the system controller 6
confirms that the second CCU 33 remains operative, the operation
proceeds to step S23 upon which the gas supply state is
sustained.
[0124] In contrast, if the system controller 6 confirms in step S24
that the second light source device 32 lies in the turnoff state or
if the system control section confirms in step S25 that the second
CCU 33 remains in the inoperative state, the operation proceeds to
step S26.
[0125] In step S26, the system controller 6 causes the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 of the ECR 51 to interrupt
outputting the gas supply signal to the valve unit 56. In response
to such operation, the electromagnetic valve 56b is switched from
the open state to the closed state. This results in operation of
the ECR 51 to interrupt supplying carbon dioxide gas from the
second container 52 to the second light source device 32 after
which the buzzer 56d is also deactivated to interrupt generating
the sounds.
[0126] Thus, with the system controller 6 configured to execute the
operation for confirming whether or not the second light source
device lies in the operative state and whether or not the second
CCU 33 remains in the operative state upon which the control is
executed for switching the ECR between the carbon dioxide gas
supply state and the gas supply interruptive state, the ECR can be
reliably brought into the gas supply interruptive state under a
condition wherein no endoscopic observation can be performed
through the second endoscope.
[0127] With such a configuration, even under a condition with the
illumination lamp remaining in the light up state, the second CCU
is rendered inoperative thereby disenabling observation through the
second endoscope and, in association with this, the electromagnetic
valve, provided in the ECR, is rendered inoperative in the closed
state, thereby reliably preventing carbon dioxide gas from being
wastefully consumed from the gas container. In addition, in
executing the endoscopic observation, even under a condition
wherein the illumination lamp is lighted up for a time interval of
from several tens of seconds to several minutes for the purpose of
causing the illumination lamp of the light source device to operate
in a stable light emitting state, wasteful consumption of carbon
dioxide from the gas container can be reliably prevented.
Third Embodiment
[0128] Referring to FIG. 9, an endoscopic system, equipped with a
gas supply apparatus, of a third embodiment according to the
present invention is described.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 9, with the present embodiment, the second
light source device 32 incorporates a light source connector
detection sensor 69, serving as a connection status discriminating
unit, which detects whether or not there is a status under which
the light source connector 36d is connected to the second light
source device 32. The light source connector detection sensor 69
may include a sensor of, for instance, an optical type or contact
type and electrically connected to the light source control unit
58. Other structures are similar to those of the first embodiment
and the same component parts bear like reference numerals to omit
redundant description.
[0130] With such a structure of the presently filed embodiment,
under a condition where the light source connector 36d is connected
to the second light source device 32, the light source connector
detection sensor 69 outputs a connector connection signal to the
light source control unit 58 indicative of an announcement on the
presence of the light source connector 36d remaining in a connected
status. Then, upon receipt of the connector connection signal, the
light source control unit 58 outputs an endoscope connection signal
to the announcement signal detector 57a. This allows the ECR 51 to
be switched to the gas supply interruptive state if the light
source connector 36d is pulled out of the second light source
device 32 during a period in which the ECR 51 remains in the
operative state i.e., the carbon dioxide gas supply status.
[0131] That is, if the light source connector 36d is pulled out of
the second light source device 32, no connector connection signal
is outputted from the light source connector detection sensor 69.
Therefore, no endoscope connection signal is outputted from the
light source control unit 58 to the announcement signal detector
57a. This allows the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 of
the ECR 51 to interrupt outputting the gas supply signal to the
valve unit 56. Depending on such operation, the ECR 51 is switched
from the gas supply state to the gas supply interruptive state.
[0132] Thus, by switching the electromagnetic valve, provided in
the ECR, to the closed state in association with the operation in
which the light source connector 36d is pulled out of the second
light source device 32, it becomes possible to prevent wasteful
consumption of carbon dioxide gas from the gas container during
off-periods in endoscopic observation.
Fourth Embodiment
[0133] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of a fourth embodiment according to
the present invention is described.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 10, with the present embodiment, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 incorporates a computing
unit 57b composed of a CPU. The computing unit 57b is applied with
a measured flow rate value of carbon dioxide gas passing across the
flow rate sensor 56c, thereby allowing a total volume of supplied
gas after the ECR 51 has been switched to the gas supply state.
[0135] As shown in step S31 in FIG. 11, the power switch 51b is
turned on. In response to such turn-on operation, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 outputs a gas supply signal to
the valve unit 56. This allows the ECR 51 to enter the gas supply
state. Under such a gas supply state, a measured flow rate value of
the flow rate sensor 56c is inputted to the computing unit 57b as
shown in step S32. Here, the computing unit 57b executes the
operation to obtain a total gas supply volume upon executing
accumulating operation based on the measured flow rate value that
has been inputted.
[0136] Next, the operation proceeds to step S33 in which comparison
is made between the total gas supply volume, obtained by the
computing unit 57b, and a preset gas supply volume that is
preliminarily set prior to starting a surgery operation. Here, if
the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 discriminates that
total gas supply volume is less than the preset gas supply volume,
then, the operation is routed back to step S32 in which the
operation is executed to allow the ECR 51 to be sustained in the
operative state, that is, under a status in which gas supply is
continued. On the contrary, if the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 discriminates that the total gas supply volume
exceeds the preset gas supply volume, the operation proceeds to
step S34. In step S34, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit
57 interrupts the outputting of the gas supply signal while
executing the control to switch the ECR 51 from the operative state
to the inoperative state.
[0137] Thus, with such a structure wherein a total volume of carbon
dioxide gas to be supplied from the ECR to the endoscope is
preliminarily set while permitting the computing unit, provided in
the ECR, to calculate a total volume of gas supplied after the ECR
has entered the gas supply state, the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit is enabled to control an operative status of the ECR
upon executing comparison between the preset gas volume and the
total supplied volume whereby carbon dioxide gas can be reliably
prevented from being wastefully consumed from the container.
[0138] Also, with the presently filed embodiment, when it is
desired to render the ECR to lie in the gas supply state, the power
switch 51b is turned on as shown in step S31, thereby rendering the
ECR 51 operative. Then, a total volume of gas, to be supplied from
the ECR 51, can be suitably preset on, for instance, the
centralized operation panel 9 and a preset gas supply volume is
displayed on, for instance, the display panel.
Fifth Embodiment
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of a fifth embodiment according to the
present invention is described.
[0140] The present embodiment is configured to perform a luminal
cavity gas supply control as a function of a parameter of a gas
supply duration in place of the total gas supply volume adopted in
the fourth embodiment. That is, in place of the ECR 51
incorporating the computing unit to allow the ECR 51 to be
controllably switched from the operative state to the inoperative
state upon calculating the total gas supply volume, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 is configured to incorporate a
timekeeping unit (also referred to as a timer) 57c, serving as a
timekeeping unit, as shown in FIG. 12. The timekeeping unit 57c
detects a gas supply duration to execute control for switching the
ECR 51 from the operative state to the inoperative state based on a
detected gas supply duration.
[0141] That is, the timekeeping unit 57c measures a gas supply
duration (gas supply accumulative time) of carbon dioxide in which
carbon dioxide gas has begun to be supplied. Then, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 makes comparison between the
resulting measured time and a preset time that has been
preliminarily set.
[0142] More particularly, the power switch 51b is operated as shown
by step S41 in FIG. 13. In response to such an operation, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 outputs a gas supply
signal to the valve unit 56. This allows the ECR 51 to enter the
gas supply state. Under such a gas supply state, as shown by step
S42, the timekeeping unit 57c begins to measure the gas supply
duration elapsed after the gas supply signal has been
outputted.
[0143] Next, the operation proceeds to step S43 and the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 makes comparison between the
measured gas supply time, resulting from the timekeeping unit 57c,
and the preset gas supply time, which is preliminarily set before
starting the operation. Here, if the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 discriminates that the gas supply duration is less
than the preset gas supply time, the operation is routed back to
step S42 wherein the operation is executed to allow the ECR 51 to
be sustained in the operative state, that is, gas supply is
continuously performed. On the contrary, if the luminal cavity gas
supply control unit 57 discriminates that the gas supply duration
exceeds the preset gas supply time, the operation proceeds to step
S44. In step S44, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57
interrupts outputting the gas supply signal to render the ECR
51.
[0144] Thus, by taking a structure configured to allow the gas
supply duration, in which carbon dioxide gas can be supplied from
the ECR to the endoscope, to be preliminarily set while enabling
the gas supply duration, elapsed after the ECR has entered the gas
supply state, to be measured by the timekeeping unit of the ECR,
the luminal cavity gas supply control unit is able to make
comparison between the preset gas supply time and the gas supply
duration upon which the operative state of the ECR is controlled.
This results in a capability for carbon dioxide gas to be prevented
from being wastefully consumed from the gas container. Even with
the presently filed embodiment, the gas supply state is needed, the
power switch 51b is operated again as shown in step S41 to render
the ECR 51 operative. Additionally, the present gas supply time can
be can be suitably set on, for instance, the centralized operation
panel 9 and a preset value of the relevant gas supply time can be
displayed on, for instance, the display panel.
[0145] A modified form is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0146] While with the presently filed embodiment set forth above,
the timekeeping unit 57c is configured to detect the gas supply
duration to allow the ECR 51 to shift from the operative state to
the inoperative state, a modified form may be configured as shown
in FIG. 14 such that the ECR 51 incorporates the timekeeping unit
57c and, in addition to this, a pressure sensor 56e, serving as a
pressure measuring unit, which is replaced with the flow rate
sensor 56c whereby upon execution of the operation to detect
whether or not variation occurs in pressure for a fixed time
interval, if no pressure varies within the fixed time interval,
then, control is executed to switch the ECR 51 from the operative
state to the inoperative state.
[0147] More particularly, the power switch 51b is operated as shown
by step S45 in FIG. 15. In response to such operation, the luminal
cavity gas supply control unit 57 outputs a gas supply signal to
the valve unit 56. This allows the ECR 51 to enter the gas supply
state. Then, the pressure sensor 56e measures a gas supply pressure
as shown in step S46. Under such a gas supply state, subsequently,
the timekeeping unit 57c of the luminal cavity gas supply control
unit 57 enters a timekeeping state in association with the
measuring operation of the pressure sensor 56e after which the
operation is executed to measure an "invariable pressure duration"
in which no variation takes place in a pressure value or in which a
relevant variation falls in a predetermined minimal range.
[0148] Next, the operation proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the
luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 makes comparison between
the invariable pressure duration and a preset time interval that is
preliminarily set. In this moment, if the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 discriminates that the invariable pressure duration
is less than the preset time interval, the operation is routed back
to step S46 wherein the control is executed for the operative state
to be sustained, that is, for the operation to be executed to
continue the supply of gas. On the contrary, if the luminal cavity
gas supply control unit 57 discriminates that the invariable
pressure duration exceeds the preset time interval, the operation
proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the luminal cavity gas supply
control unit 57 interrupts outputting the gas supply signal,
thereby performing control to switch the ECR 51 from the operative
state to the inoperative state.
[0149] In such a way, with such a structure configured to allow the
timekeeping unit of the ECR to measure a variation in the gas
supply pressure of carbon dioxide gas, to be supplied from the ECR
to the endoscope, in terms of time upon which the luminal cavity
control unit makes comparison between the preset time interval and
the invariable pressure duration after which the operation is
executed to control the operative state of the ECR, it be comes
possible to preclude carbon dioxide gas from being wastefully
consumed from the gas container in a reliable fashion. Even with
such a modified form, the gas supply state is needed, the power
switch 51b is operated again rendering the ECR 51 operative.
Further, an alternative may be such that the operation panel of the
ECR is provided with a reset switch to provide means for resetting
the invariable pressure duration to "0" when the reset switch is
pressed down. Additionally, the predetermined time interval may be
suitably set on, for instance, the centralized operation panel 9
and the relevant preset time interval may be displayed on, for
instance, the display panel.
[0150] Another modified form is shown in FIG. 16.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 16, an endoscopic system having an
endoscope, equipped with a joystick provided on the manipulator, is
described. As shown in the drawing figure, in cases where an
electromotive endoscope 31A is adopted, as a second endoscope,
which is equipped with an operating lever 35p such as, for
instance, a joystick, a control unit 6a of the system controller 6
may be enabled to execute luminal cavity gas supply control upon
utilizing curving data stored in an electromotive curving control
unit 33a provided in the second CCU 33. That is, the control unit
6a may be configured to read out a curving angle of a curving
portion 31m of the inserter section of the endoscope 31A from such
curving data upon which the ECR 51 is switched between the
operative state and the inoperative state for thereby precluding
wasteful consumption of carbon dioxide gas from the gas
container.
[0152] More particularly, the control unit 6a of the system
controller 6 is configured such that the control is executed for
interrupting the gas supply under circumstances where there is
curving data for the curving portion 31m to be extended straight or
for the curving angle to be set to zero degree, or for interrupting
the gas supply when no variation occurs in a value of curving data,
related to the curving portion 31m, even after an elapse of a
predetermined time interval.
[0153] Further, with an endoscope configured to curvedly move the
curving portion upon pulling an associated curving wire, a rotary
shaft of a curving operation knob, by which the curving wire is
pulled for movements, may be provided with an encoder. With such an
alternative, the system control unit 6a may be configured such that
if the curving operation knob is operated and the encoder
discriminates that a relevant rotational angle exceeds a preset
value, the control unit 6a executes the operation to command
starting the gas supply. This enables carbon dioxide gas to be
reliably prevented from being wastefully consumed from the gas
container before the endoscope begins to be used.
Sixth Embodiment
[0154] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 20, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of a sixth embodiment according to the
present invention is described.
[0155] The present embodiment takes the form of a structure that
incorporates, in place of incorporating the abdominal insufflation
device 41 and first gas container 42 and the ECR 51 and second gas
container 52, a gas supply apparatus 70, serving as a gas supply
means, which has functions as the abdominal insufflation device 41
and the ECR 51, and a single gas container from which carbon
dioxide gas is supplied to the gas supply apparatus 70 as shown in
FIG. 17. Also, the first gas container 42 is used as the gas
container in the presently filed embodiment. Moreover, the second
light source device 32 and the gas supply apparatus 70 are
connected to each other through the communication cable 55 to
enable mutually related communications like the second light source
device 32 and the ECR 51 that have been set forth above.
[0156] As shown in FIG. 18, the gas supply apparatus 70 is mainly
comprised of a supply pressure sensor 71, a pressure reduction unit
72, first and second electropneumatic proportional valves 73, 74, a
first electromagnetic valve 75, a second electromagnetic valve 76
that corresponds to the above-described electromagnetic valve 56b,
a pressure sensor 77, a first flow rate sensor 78, a second flow
rate sensor 79 that corresponds to the above-described flow rate
sensor 56c, and a control unit 80. Further, the gas supply
apparatus 70 includes, in addition to an abdominal cavity coupling
81a, which corresponds to the above-described abdominal cavity
coupling 41a, and a luminal cavity coupling 81b, which corresponds
to the above-described gas supply coupling 51a, a high-pressure
fitting 82, a setting and operating section 83 and a display
section 84. The setting and operating section 83 and the display
section 84 are formed as a panel section 85. Also, reference
numeral 86 designates a buzzer that corresponds to the buzzer 56d
that has been discussed above.
[0157] The pressure reduction unit 72 has a downstream that is
diverged into two flow paths. One the diverged flow paths includes
an abdominal cavity flow path that is comprised of the first
electropneumatic proportional valve 73, the first electromagnetic
valve 75, the pressure sensor 77, the first flow rate sensor 78,
the abdominal cavity coupling 81a, the abdominal cavity tube 43 and
the third trocar 16. The other one of the diverged flow paths
includes a luminal cavity flow path that is comprised of the second
electropneumatic proportional valves 74, the second electromagnetic
valve 76, the second flow rate sensor 79, the luminal cavity
coupling 81b, a luminal cavity tube 86, the second light source
device 32 and the endoscope 31.
[0158] The supply pressure sensor 71 measures a pressure of carbon
dioxide gas evaporated and supplied from the first gas container 42
to output the measured result to the control unit 80. The pressure
reduction unit 72 reduces the pressure of carbon dioxide gas,
evaporated and supplied to the gas supply apparatus 70 via the
high-pressure fitting 82, to a predetermined pressure.
[0159] The first electropneumatic proportional valve 73 operates to
allow carbon dioxide gas, reduced in pressure by the pressure
reduction unit 72, to be set to a gas supply pressure at a value
ranging from approximately 0 to 80 mmHg depending on a control
signal outputted from the control unit 80. In the meanwhile, the
second electropneumatic proportional valve 74 operates to allow
carbon dioxide gas, reduced in pressure by the pressure reduction
unit 72, to be set to a gas supply pressure at a value ranging from
approximately 0 to 500 mmHg depending on a control signal outputted
from the control unit 80.
[0160] The first and second electromagnetic valves 75, 76 are
opened or closed based on control signals outputted from the
control unit 80. The pressure sensor 77 measures an abdominal
cavity inside pressure to output the measured value to the control
unit 80. The first and second flow rate sensors 78, 79 measure the
flow rates of carbon dioxide gas to be supplied to the first and
second couplings 81a, 81b, respectively, to output measured results
to the control unit 80.
[0161] That is, carbon dioxide gas, stored in the first gas
container 42 in a liquid form, is evaporated and delivered to the
pressure reduction unit 72 by which carbon dioxide gas is reduced
in pressure after which carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the
abdominal cavity via the abdominal cavity flow path depending on
the control signal outputted by the control unit 80 or supplied to
the luminal cavity via the luminal cavity flow path depending on
the control signal outputted from the control unit 80.
[0162] As shown in FIG. 19, disposed on one face of the gas supply
apparatus 70, on which the abdominal cavity coupling 81a and the
luminal cavity coupling 81b are mounted, is a panel section 85 that
includes a setting and operating section 83 and a display section
84.
[0163] Disposed on the panel section 85 are a power switch 91, an
abdominal cavity gas supply start button 92a, a luminal cavity gas
supply stop button 93a, an abdominal cavity gas supply stop button
92b, a luminal cavity gas supply stop button 93b, abdominal cavity
pressure setting buttons 94a, 94b and abdominal cavity gas supply
flow rate setting buttons 95a, 95b, both of which form part of the
setting and operating section 83, luminal cavity gas supply flow
rate setting buttons 101a, 101b which also form part of the setting
and operating section 83, a residual gas volume indicator 96,
abdominal cavity internal pressure indicators 97a, 97b, abdominal
cavity flow rate indicators 98a, 98b, a supply gas total volume
indicator 99, and luminal cavity flow rate indicators 100a, 10b.
These indicators serve as the display section 84.
[0164] The power switch 91 serves as a switch by which a main power
supply of the gas supply apparatus 70 is switched in an operative
state or inoperative state. The abdominal cavity gas supply start
button 92a serves as a button for commanding to start supplying
carbon dioxide gas to the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity
gas supply stop button 92b serves as a button for commanding to
stop supplying carbon dioxide gas to the abdominal cavity. The
luminal cavity gas supply start button 93a serves a button for
commanding to start supplying carbon dioxide gas to the luminal
cavity. The luminal cavity gas supply stop button 93b serves as a
button for commanding to stop supplying carbon dioxide gas to the
luminal cavity.
[0165] The abdominal cavity pressure setting button 94a and the gas
supply flow rate setting buttons 95a, 101a are configured to vary
relevant preset values in progressively increment directions upon
press-down operations on the buttons. In the meanwhile, the
abdominal cavity pressure setting button 94b and the gas supply
flow rate setting buttons 95b, 101b are configured to vary preset
values of associated parameters in progressively decrement
directions upon press-down operations on the buttons.
[0166] The residual gas volume indicator 96 is arranged to provide
a display of a residual volume of carbon dioxide gas remaining in
the first gas container 42. The abdominal cavity internal pressure
indicator 97a is arranged to provide a display of a measured result
of the abdominal cavity internal pressure measured by the pressure
sensor 77. In the meanwhile, the abdominal cavity internal pressure
indicator 97b is arranged to provide a display of a preset pressure
value preset upon press-down operations of, for instance, the
abdominal cavity pressure setting buttons 94a, 94b.
[0167] The abdominal cavity flow rate indicator 98a is arranged to
display a measured value resulting from the first flow rate sensor
78. The abdominal cavity flow rate indicator 98b is arranged to
display a preset flow rate preset upon button operations executed
on the abdominal cavity gas supply flow rate setting buttons 95a,
95b. The supply gas total volume indicator 99 is arranged to
display a supply gas total volume acquired upon calculations
executed in the CPU of the control unit 80 based on the measured
value of the first flow rate sensor 78.
[0168] The luminal cavity flow rate indicator 100a is arranged to
display a measured result resulting from the second flow rate
sensor 79. In the meanwhile, the luminal cavity flow rate indicator
100b is arranged to display a preset flow rate preset by button
operations of the luminal cavity gas supply flow rate setting
buttons 101a, 101b.
[0169] Also, the abdominal cavity internal pressure and flow rates
of gas to be supplied to the abdominal cavity and luminal cavity
can be preset on the centralized operation panel 9 that has been
set forth above. Further, the centralized display panel 8 may be
provided with one value, preliminarily designated by an operator
upon selecting one value or plural values from those displayed on
the abdominal cavity internal pressure indicators 97a, 97b, the
flow rate indicators 98a, 98b, 100a, 100b, and the supply gas total
volume indicator 99.
[0170] Also, the second light source device and the other
structures are the same as those of the first embodiment set forth
above and the same component parts bear like reference numerals to
omit redundant description. Further, with the second light source
device, the illumination signal and the gas supply and water supply
signal, outputted from the light source control unit 58, are
inputted to the control unit 80 via the communication cable 55.
[0171] Now, description is made of a basic sequence of operations
of the surgery operation system 1A with the gas supply apparatus 70
with the structure set forth above.
[0172] When using the gas supply apparatus 70, the abdominal cavity
tube 43 is prepared and connected to the abdominal cavity coupling
81a and the third trocar 16. Also, if desired, the luminal cavity
tube 86 is prepared and connected to the luminal cavity coupling
81b and the second light source device 32
[0173] Next, the power switch 91 is turned on. Then, this results
in a condition under which the abdominal cavity internal pressure
display indicator 97a of the panel section 85 displays a pressure
value measured by the pressure sensor 77. Also, the abdominal
cavity internal pressure indicator 97b and the flow rate display
sections 98b, 100b are provided with displays of the abdominal
cavity internal pressure and preset flow rates, respectively, which
are preset on, for instance, the centralized operation panel 9.
[0174] Also, under circumstances where no abdominal cavity pressure
or no flow rate are preset at this stage, operating the abdominal
cavity internal pressure setting buttons 94a, 94b and the gas
supply flow ratting buttons 95a, 95b, 101a, 101b allows the
abdominal cavity pressure or flow rate to be preset.
[0175] Subsequently, the third trocar 16 is inserted to a
predetermined position of a stomach portion in a predetermined
stroke. The control unit 80 is inputted with, in addition to the
measured result of the pressure sensor 71, a measured result
resulting from the pressure sensor 77. This allows the residual gas
volume of carbon dioxide gas in the first container 42 to be
displayed on the residual gas indicator 96 and an abdominal cavity
pressure value to be displayed on the abdominal cavity pressure
indicator 77a. Here, when abdominal cavity insufflation needs to be
achieved, the abdominal cavity gas supply start button 92a is
operated. In response to such operation, the control unit 80
outputs a gas supply signal to the first electromagnetic valve 75,
which is consequently rendered operative in the open state to
establish an "abdominal-cavity carbon gas supply state" under which
carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the abdominal cavity via the
abdominal cavity flow path.
[0176] In the meanwhile, when supplying gas to a luminal cavity,
first, the inserter section 34 of the endoscope 31 is inserted to a
predetermined site inside a large intestine from, for instance, an
anus after which the luminal cavity gas supply start button 93a is
operated. This allows carbon dioxide gas to reach the gas supply
and water supply button 35a of the endoscope 31 via the luminal
cavity flow path and the gas supply apparatus 70 enters a "gas
supply standby state" under which carbon dioxide gas is available
to be supplied upon operation of the associated button.
[0177] More particularly, the gas supply apparatus 70, equipped in
the surgery operation system 1A of the presently filed embodiment,
executes the operation to confirm whether or not an illumination
signal, outputted from the light source control unit 58 provided in
the second light source device 32, is inputted to the control unit
80 as shown by step S51 in FIG. 20. Here, if the control unit 80
does not confirm that the illumination signal is inputted, the gas
supply apparatus 70 enters the "gas supply standby state".
[0178] In the meanwhile, if in step 51 in FIG. 20, it is confirmed
that the illumination signal is inputted, the control unit 80
allows the operation to proceed to step S52. In step S52, the
control unit 80 confirms whether or not the control unit 80 is
applied with the gas supply and water supply signal from the light
source control unit 58. In step S52, the control unit 80 confirms
whether or not the gas supply ad water supply signal is inputted
from the light source control unit 58 that has been mentioned
above. Here, if the control unit 80 confirms that the gas supply
and water supply signal is inputted, then, the gas supply apparatus
70 enters the "gas supply state".
[0179] On the contrary, if the control unit 80 does not confirm
that the gas supply and water supply signal is inputted, the
operation proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the control unit 80
outputs the gas supply signal to the second electromagnetic valve
76. This allows the second electromagnetic valve 76 to be rendered
operative to shift from the closed state to the open state,
resulting in the gas supply state to supply carbon dioxide gas from
the second gas container to the second light source device 32 via
the luminal cavity low path. When this takes place, the buzzer 56d
is activated to intermittently generate the electronic sounds.
Also, a gas leakage status is established, as shown in FIG. 4,
under which supplied carbon dioxide gas belches from the bore
portion 35d of the gas supply and water supply button 35a.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 5 already described above, upon operation
of an operator with his finger to block the bore portion 35d of the
gas supply and water supply button 35a, carbon dioxide gas, leaking
from the bore portion 35d, is supplied to the downstream gas supply
conduit 31b via the bent pipe 35e. This results in the
"luminal-cavity carbon dioxide gas supply state" under which carbon
dioxide gas is supplied to the luminal cavity via the nozzle
mentioned above.
[0181] If the gas supply state is established as shown in step S53,
the control unit 80 confirms as shown in step S54 whether or not
the gas supply and water supply signal is inputted from the light
source control unit 58. In this moment, if the control unit 80 does
not confirm that the gas supply and water supply signal is
inputted, the operation proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the
control unit 80 confirms whether or not the illumination signal is
continuously inputted. In this moment, if the control unit 80
confirms that the illumination signal is inputted, the operation
proceeds to step S53 in which the gas supply state is
sustained.
[0182] By contrast, if the control unit 80 confirms in step S54
that the gas supply and water supply signal is inputted or if the
control unit 80 can not confirm in step S55 that the illumination
signal is inputted, the operation proceeds to step S56.
[0183] In step S56, the control unit 80 interrupts outputting the
gas supply signal to the second electromagnetic valve 76. In
response to such an operation, the valve is switched from the open
state to the closed state. This interrupts supplying carbon dioxide
gas from the second gas container 52 to the second light source
device 32 via the ECR 51 and, thereafter, the buzzer 56d is
deactivated to stop generating sounds.
[0184] In such a way, the presently filed embodiment takes the form
of a structure wherein under circumstances where the second light
source device and the gas supply apparatus are connected to each
other via the communication cable and the illumination lamp,
provided in the second light source device, is lighted up, the
light source device control unit of the second light source device
outputs the illumination signal and gas supply and water supply
signal to the control unit of the gas supply apparatus. With such a
structure, the control unit of the gas supply apparatus confirms
the presence of or absence of the illumination signal and gas
supply and water supply signal after which the second
electromagnetic valve, provided in the luminal cavity flow path of
the gas supply apparatus, is controlled to enable switching between
the gas supply state and the gas supply interruptive state.
[0185] By so doing, while the ECR 51 enters the gas supply state
under circumstances where the illumination signal is outputted from
the second endoscope to the control unit of the gas supply
apparatus after the luminal cavity gas supply start button is
operated to be switched into a condition wherein gas is supplied
via the luminal cavity flow path, the ECR remains in the gas supply
interruptive state under a condition where the outputting of the
illumination signal is interrupted or under a condition where the
gas supply and water supply signal is outputted. Accordingly, upon
manipulation of a medical staff to operate the light source switch
or the lamp switch of the second light source device for turning
off the light source lamp, the ECR 51 enters the gas supply
interruptive state under which gas supply through the luminal
cavity flow path of the gas supply apparatus is interrupted in
association with the turnoff operation of the light source lamp.
This results in a capability of reliably addressing issues
resulting from wasteful consumption of carbon dioxide gas from the
second gas container, connected to the gas supply apparatus via the
luminal cavity flow path, when no endoscopic observation is
performed. Other operations and advantageous effects are similar to
those of the embodiment set forth above.
[0186] An alternative may also be structured such that the gas
supply apparatus 70 is connected to the system controller 6 through
a communication line, which is not shown, to control the surgery
operation system 1 as a whole in a lump sum.
[0187] Another alternative may be configured such that in place of
permitting the control unit 80 to controllably switch the luminal
cavity flow path between the gas supply state and the gas supply
interruptive state depending on the illumination signal and the gas
supply and water supply signal outputted from the light source
control unit of the second light source device, such switching
control may be executed by means of the system controller 6, as
shown in the flow chart of FIG. 8 that has been discussed above,
upon confirming whether or not the second light source device and
the second CCU 33 lie in the respective operative states.
[0188] As shown in the third embodiment described above, an
alternative may include the light source connector detection sensor
69 for detecting whether or not there is a status wherein the light
source connector 35d is connected to the second light source device
32 upon which if the light source connector 36d is pulled out of
the second light source device 32 under circumstances where the gas
supply is carried out via the luminal cavity flow path, the control
unit 80 executes the operation for controllably interrupting the
gas supply via the luminal cavity flow path.
[0189] Further, as already described above with reference to the
fourth embodiment, another alternative may be such that the CPU of
the control unit 80 obtains a supply gas total volume upon
executing the calculation based on the measured value of the second
flow rate sensor 79 upon which, as shown in FIG. 11 discussed
above, the control unit 80 executes comparison between the preset
amount and the supply gas total volume for thereby controlling the
gas supply state via the luminal cavity flow path.
[0190] Further, as already described above with reference to the
fifth embodiment, still another alternative may be such that the
gas supply apparatus 70 is provided with the timekeeping unit 57c,
which counts time during which the second electromagnetic valve 76
remains in the open state, for measuring the gas supply duration
upon which, as shown in FIG. 13 mentioned above, the control unit
80 makes comparison between the preset gas supply time and the gas
supply duration to control the gas supply state via the luminal
cavity flow path.
[0191] Although the embodiment has been described above with
reference to an exemplary structure wherein under a condition where
the flow rate sensor 56c detects the occurrence of carbon dioxide
gas being supplied from the ECR 51 or under a condition where the
second flow rate sensor 79 detects the occurrence of carbon dioxide
gas being supplied via the luminal cavity flow path of the gas
supply apparatus 70, the buzzers 56d, 86 are activated in sound
generating states to allow an operator or the like to recognize a
condition under which carbon dioxide gas is available to be
supplied to the luminal cavity via the endoscope 31, not only the
sound generation but also a structure, described below, may allow
the operator or the like to be notified with information indicative
of a condition under which carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the
luminal cavity via the endoscope 31.
[0192] One modified form is shown in FIG. 21.
[0193] For the modified form shown in the drawing figure, an
endoscopic system having a smell-applying container. As shown in
FIG. 21, prepared in addition to the carbon dioxide gas container
42 for a gas supply apparatus 120 is a smell-applying container 121
for applying carbon dioxide gas with a smell. The gas supply
apparatus 120 has a structure that includes, in addition to the
abdominal cavity flow path 122 and the luminal cavity flow path
123, which have been described above with reference to the gas
supply apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 18 mentioned above, a second
pressure reduction unit 124, by which gas in the smell-applying
container 121 is preset to a predetermined pressure, and an
electromagnetic valve 125 that controls whether to render smelled
gas to be available under a gas supply state. Reference numeral 126
designates a control unit that controls an abdominal cavity flow
path 122, a luminal cavity flow path 123 and an electromagnetic
valve 125. Other structures are similar to those of the sixth
embodiment set forth above.
[0194] When supplying gas to the luminal cavity via the luminal
cavity flow path 124, the control unit 126 outputs a control signal
to the electromagnetic valve 125. Then, the electromagnetic valve
125 is rendered operative in an open state and carbon dioxide gas,
supplied to the luminal cavity, is admixed with smell gas.
[0195] By so doing, under circumstances where carbon dioxide gas is
supplied, the presence of carbon dioxide gas belching from the bore
portion 35d of the gas supply and water supply button 35a, provided
in the manipulator 35 of the endoscope 31, is filled with a smell
(i.e., recognizable odor or smelly gas) in, for instance, an
operation room, whereby the operator recognizes the presence of
carbon dioxide gas being supplied.
[0196] Another modified form is shown in FIG. 22.
[0197] Another modified form, shown in the drawing figure, relates
to an endoscopic system having a suction device. As shown in the
drawing figure, in addition to the gas supply apparatus 70, the
operation room may be provided with the suction device 130 for
collecting carbon dioxide gas belching from the gas supply and
water supply button or carbon dioxide gas leaked from, for
instance, an anus of a patient.
[0198] The suction device 130, of the presently filed modified
form, is provided with a suction pump that is not shown. The
suction device 130 includes a plurality of suction ports 131, 132.
Extending from the suction ports 131, 132 are, for instance,
suction conduits 133, 134 which have distal ends provided with
sucking portions 133a, 134a, respectively. In addition, the suction
device 130 takes a structure that exhausts carbon dioxide gas drawn
from a ventilation opening 136 mounted on a wall 135 of the
operation room.
[0199] For the purpose of appropriately locating the sucking
portions 133a, 134a in desired places, a sucking portion support
device, which is not shown, may be provided. The sucking portion
support device may be directly mounted to a ceiling or wall of the
operation room or may be formed in a support stand.
[0200] With an operation room provided with the suction device in
such a way, it becomes possible to prevent the operation room from
being pervaded with carbon dioxide gas during supply of carbon
dioxide gas.
[0201] Also, the gas supply apparatus 70 and the suction device 130
may be connected to each other through, for instance, the
communication cable 55 that is shown by a broken line. With such a
connection, it may be possible to operate the suction device 130 in
conjunction with a phase in which the gas supply is effectuated by
the gas supply device 70 to the luminal cavity, thereby enabling
for carbon dioxide gas to be efficiently drawn.
Seventh Embodiment
[0202] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of a seventh embodiment according to
the present invention is described.
[0203] The gas supply apparatus of the present embodiment takes the
form of a structure in which as shown in FIG. 23, the amount of
belching carbon dioxide gas leaked from the bore portion 35d of the
gas supply and water supply 35a is reduced for thereby suppressing
the occurrence of wasteful consumption of carbon dioxide gas from
the second container 24.
[0204] With the presently filed embodiment, an attention is focused
on a structure as shown in FIG. 23 wherein under circumstances
where carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the endoscope 31 via the
luminal cavity flow path of the gas supply apparatus 70, the flow
rate of carbon dioxide gas can be varied by changing a diameter of
a flow path for carbon dioxide gas to flow upon selecting one of a
status wherein the bore portion 35d, formed in the gas supply and
water supply button 35a provided in the manipulator 35 of the
endoscope 31, is unblocked by a finger as indicated by a phantom
line and another status wherein the bore portion 35d is blocked
with the finger.
[0205] More particularly, under a condition wherein the bore
portion 35d of the gas supply and water supply button 35a is
blocked, the gas supply flow rate is set by the control unit 80
based on the relationship between a gas supply pressure of the
electropneumatic proportional valve 74, under a status where carbon
dioxide gas is supplied to the downstream gas supply conduit 31b,
and the flow rate resulting from the second flow rate sensor
79.
[0206] When it is supposed that the gas supply pressure of the
electropneumatic proportional valve 74 lies at P as shown in FIG.
24 under circumstances where the bore portion 35d of the gas supply
and water supply button 35a is blocked, the flow rate Q varies in a
manner indicated by a curve as shown in FIG. 24. The flow rate Q is
referred to as a threshold flow rate.
[0207] For instance, if the luminal cavity internal pressure is
high when supplying carbon dioxide gas to the luminal cavity under
circumstances where the bore portion 35d of the gas supply and
water supply button 35a is blocked, the gas supply flow rate Q1 for
the luminal cavity is expressed as Q1<Q and lies in a range
indicated by a hatched area. On the contrary, under circumstances
where the bore portion 35d of the gas supply and water supply
button 35a is left in an open state, the belching flow rate Q2 has
a relationship expressed as Q2>Q and lies in a range indicated
by a non-hatched (blank) area in the drawing figure.
[0208] That is, the non-hatched area in FIG. 24 represents a status
under which the bore portion 35d is opened and, in contrast, the
hatched area represents another status wherein the bore portion 35d
is blocked. Therefore, the control unit 80 is configured in a
structure wherein a gas supply state is discriminated upon
comparison between a measured value (indicated as "q") resulting
from the second flow rate sensor 79 and the threshold value Q after
which the second electropneumatic proportional valve 74 is
regulated. Also, the relationship between the gas supply pressure
P0 and the threshold flow rate Q is preliminarily stored in the
memory 80a, serving as a button discriminating means, which is
provided in the control unit 80.
[0209] More particularly, with the gas supply apparatus 70 equipped
in the surgery operation system 1 of the presently filed
embodiment, if a luminal cavity gas supply start button, which is
now shown, is operated, the control unit 80 acquires the threshold
flow rate QP associated with the gas supply pressure P0 of the
second electropneumatic proportional valve 74 as shown by step S61
in FIG. 25. Further, upon receipt of the flow rate q0, which is the
measured value, of the second flow rate sensor 79, after which the
operation proceeds to step S62.
[0210] In step S62, the control unit 80 makes comparison between
the flow rate q0, acquired from the second flow rate sensor 79, and
the threshold flow rate Q0. In particular, confirmation is made
whether or not there is the relationship expressed as q0<QP.
[0211] In the present moment, if discrimination is made that the
flow rate q0 is greater than the threshold flow rate Q0, then, it
is discriminated that the bore portion 35d of the gas supply and
water supply button 35a remains in the open state, and the
operation proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the control unit 80
executes control such that the gas supply pressure of the second
electropneumatic proportional valve 74 is lowered to an adequately
small pressure of Pmin in the order of, for instance, 30 mmHg.
Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step S61, in which the flow
rate q0 is acquired again. With such operations, the control unit
80 executes control so as to minimize the flow rate of carbon
dioxide gas belching from the bore portion 35d under the condition
where the bore portion 35d is blocked.
[0212] On the contrary, if it is discriminated in step S62 that the
relationship, expressed as q<Q, is not established, then, it is
discriminated that the bore portion 35d of the gas supply and water
supply button 35a remains in a blocked state, and the operation
proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the control unit 80 makes
comparison between a gas supply target flow rate q1 and the flow
rate q0 for gas to be supplied to the luminal cavity. More
particularly, confirmation is made whether or not the relationship
expressed as q0<q1 is established. In this moment, if the
control unit 80 discriminates that the flow rate q0 is less than
the target gas flow rate q1, the operation proceeds to step S64. In
step S64, the control unit 80 executes control in such a way as to
raise the gas supply pressure of the second electropneumatic
proportional valve 74 by a predetermined amount of a value (+p2).
Subsequently, under the condition where the bore portion 35d is
blocked, the control unit 80 is able to supply gas to the inside of
the luminal cavity under a desired gas supply condition under which
the flow rate is close to the target gas flow rate.
[0213] In contrast, if discrimination is made in step S63 that the
flow rate q0 is greater than the target gas flow rate q1, the
operation proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the control unit 80
executes control in such a way as to lower the gas supply pressure
of the second electropneumatic proportional valve 74 by a
predetermined amount of a value (-p1). Subsequently, the operation
proceeds to step S61, in which the flow rate q0 is acquired
again.
[0214] Then, the control unit 80 repeatedly executes the operations
for control mentioned above during a period in which the luminal
cavity gas supply start button 93a is operated to allow gas to be
supplied through the luminal cavity flow path.
[0215] Due to an ability of the control unit wherein during a
period in which gas is supplied through the luminal cavity flow
path, provided in the gas supply apparatus and including the second
electropneumatic proportional valve and the second flow rate
sensor, the control unit makes comparison between the flow rate and
the threshold flow rate and between the flow rate and the target
gas supply flow rate for thereby regulating the gas supply pressure
of the second electropneumatic proportional valve, gas can be
supplied to the luminal cavity at the target flow rate whereas when
the operator needs no gas supply, that is, under a condition where
the bore portion of the gas supply and water supply button is
unblocked, wasteful consumption of carbon dioxide gas can be
reliably suppressed.
Eighth Embodiment
[0216] Referring to FIGS. 26 to 30, an endoscopic system, equipped
with a gas supply apparatus, of an eighth embodiment according to
the present invention is described.
[0217] Under circumstances where the gas supply and water supply
button 35a is provided in the gas supply and water supply cylinder
35c, provided in the manipulator 35 as shown in FIG. 4 that has
been mentioned above, carbon dioxide gas belches from the bore
portion 35d formed in the gas supply and water supply button 35a.
It is conceived that in order to address such a defect, the gas
supply and water supply button 35a is replaced with a carbon
dioxide gas supply button (hereinafter merely abbreviated as carbon
dioxide gas button) with which the bore portion 35d is
dispensed.
[0218] However, there is a need for the gas supply and water supply
button 35a and the carbon dioxide gas button to be creatively used
for the single gas supply and water supply cylinder 35c in
consideration of a busy condition, whereby some detects my occur if
a switch is erroneously mounted to be different from that of an
intended use.
[0219] With the present embodiment, in order to address such
defect, the gas supply and water supply button 35a and the carbon
dioxide gas button are provided with resisters with different
resistance values R1 and R2, respectively, which serve as switch
detectors.
[0220] Further, the manipulator 35 of the endoscope 31 is provided
with a contact site with which electrical contacts 141, 142,
provided on the buttons 35a, 140, respectively, are electrically
connected.
[0221] In addition, the second light source device 32, to which the
endoscope 150 is connected, is provided with a button discriminator
section 152 that serves as a discriminating unit. The button
discriminator section 152 discriminates whether the button, brought
into contact with the contact site 151, corresponds to the gas
supply and water supply button 35a with the resistor R1 or the
carbon dioxide gas button 140 with the resistance R2. Further, when
it is discriminated that the switch, brought into contact with the
contact site 151, corresponds to the gas supply and water supply
button 35a, the button discriminator section 152 outputs a signal,
which is similar to, for instance, the gas supply and water supply
signal to cause the gas supply for carbon dioxide gas to remain in
the wait state, to, for instance, the announcement signal detector
57a of the ECR 51. In contrast, if the switch, brought into contact
with the contact site 151, corresponds to the carbon dioxide gas
button 140, the button discriminator section 152 outputs a signal,
which is similar to the illumination signal mentioned above, to the
announcement signal detector 57a of the ECR 51. With such
operations, the luminal cavity gas supply control unit 57 outputs a
command signal, resulting in the gas supply state to supply carbon
dioxide gas to the luminal cavity.
[0222] While the present embodiment has been shown as having a
structure in which the ECR 51 is connected to the second light
source device 32, an alternative may take a structure wherein the
gas supply apparatus 70 is connected to the second light source
device 32.
[0223] Thus, with such a structure mentioned above, the gas supply
and water supply button and the carbon dioxide gas button
incorporates the electrical contacts with different resistances,
respectively, and the manipulator of the endoscope is provided with
the contact area with which the electrical contact is brought into
contact. Also, the second light source device, to which the
endoscope is connected, is provided with the button discriminator
section for discriminating whether the button, disposed in the
manipulator of the second light source device, corresponds to the
gas supply and water supply button or the carbon dioxide gas
button. Such an arrangement makes it possible to supply
predetermined gas upon executing the operation to discriminate
whether the button, disposed in the manipulator, corresponds to the
gas supply and water supply button or the carbon dioxide
button.
[0224] Moreover, an alternative may be configured such that instead
of providing the resistors in the respective buttons 35a, 140 and
providing the contact area 151 on the manipulator 35 while
permitting the second light source device 32 to be provided with
the button discriminator section 152, the operation is executed
based on the measured values resulting from the flow rate sensor
56c, provided in the ECR 51, or the second flow rate sensor 79,
provided in the gas supply apparatus 70, to render the ECR 51 or
the gas supply apparatus 70 operative in a gas supply state to
allow carbon dioxide gas to be supplied to a luminal cavity or
inoperative in a gas supply interruptive state to interrupt the
supply of gas to the luminal cavity.
[0225] More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, such
operation is executed upon utilizing the occurrence of a difference
in the flow rate between a status wherein the button, placed in the
gas supply and water supply cylinder 35c provided in the
manipulator 35, is the gas supply and water supply button 35a and a
status wherein the button, placed in the gas supply and water
supply cylinder 35c, is the carbon dioxide gas button 140.
[0226] Under circumstances where the carbon dioxide gas button 140
is placed in the gas supply and water supply cylinder 35c as shown
in FIG. 27 upon which the carbon dioxide gas button 140 remains in
an inoperative state with no depressing operation, gas fed to the
upstream gas supply conduit 31a can not flow beyond this place. For
this reason, the measured value of the flow rate sensor 79 lies at
a value of OL/min. On the contrary, when the carbon dioxide gas
button 140 is pressed down in a manner as shown by an arrow in FIG.
28, gas flows from the upstream gas supply conduit 31a to the
downstream gas supply conduit 31b in a manner as shown by an arrow.
This results in variation in which the measured value of the flow
rate sensor 79 lies at a value of, for instance, 2 L/min.
[0227] In the meanwhile, under circumstances where the gas supply
and water supply button 35a is placed in the gas supply and water
supply cylinder 35c, gas fed to the upstream gas supply conduit 31a
leaks from the bore portion 35d. Therefore, the measured value of
the flow rate sensor 79 lies at a value of, for instance, 3
L/min.
[0228] Moreover, under circumstances where the light source
connector 36d is removed from the second light source device 32 as
shown in FIG. 30, the measured value of the flow rate sensor 79
lies at a value of, for instance, 5 L/min regardless of the button
located in the gas supply and water supply cylinder 35c under a
condition where carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the luminal
cavity from the gas supply apparatus 70.
[0229] Accordingly, with the presently filed embodiment, the
measured value of the flow rate sensor 79 in the order of 2.5 L/min
is set in the control unit 80 as a third threshold value and the
measured value of the flow rate sensor 79 in the order of 5 L/min
is set in the control unit 80 as a second threshold value.
[0230] With such setting, the control unit 80 executes the
operation such that when discrimination is made that the measured
value of the flow rate sensor 79 is less than the thirst threshold
value, discrimination is made that the button, mounted in the gas
supply and water supply cylinder 35 corresponds to the carbon
dioxide gas button in intended use upon which the carbon dioxide
gas supply state is continuously sustained. In contrast, if
discrimination is made that the measured value of the flow rate
sensor 79 is greater than the thirst threshold value,
discrimination is made that the button, mounted in the gas supply
and water supply cylinder 35 corresponds to the gas supply and
water supply button 35a different from intended use upon which the
operation is executed to switch the carbon dioxide gas supply state
into the gas supply interruptive state.
[0231] Also, when the measured value of the flow rate sensor 79
indicates the second threshold value, for instance, the buzzer 56d
is activated into the sound generating state to provide an alarm by
which the operator is provided with notification of the occurrence
of a defect in a mounted condition between the second light source
device 32 and the light source connector 36d.
[0232] Further, while the present embodiment has been shown in the
structure wherein the gas supply apparatus 70 is connected to the
second light source device 32, an alternative may take a structure
in which the ECR 51 is connected to the second light source device
32.
[0233] Thus, by making comparison between the measured value of the
flow rate sensor and the threshold value, it becomes possible to
discriminate whether the button, placed in the manipulator,
corresponds to the switch in intended use. By so doing, when
supplying carbon dioxide gas to the luminal cavity, placing the
carbon dioxide gas in the manipulator enables wasteful consumption
of carbon dioxide gas from the gas container to be more effectively
suppressed.
[0234] No limitation is intended by the present invention to such
various embodiments described above and the present invention may
be possible to be implemented in a variety of modifications without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention on
stages for carrying out the embodiments. In addition, the various
embodiments described above contain inventions in a variety of
stages and various inventions may be reduced into practice upon
suitable combinations between plural component parts that are
disclosed.
* * * * *